By Alison Satake, Mayo Clinic – SciTechDaily –
Mayo Clinic’s recent study reveals that senescent cells in the skin, commonly dismissed as merely cosmetic concerns, could substantially influence overall aging.
Their findings link these cells to declines in muscle and brain function, suggesting that managing skin health could be crucial for broader anti-aging efforts.
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered that senescent cells — often called “zombie” cells because they stop dividing but remain active — build up in the skin as people age. These cells may contribute to aging throughout the body.
In a recent study, researchers transplanted senescent skin cells into a preclinical model and found that not only did these cells cause senescence to spread to other tissues, but they also accelerated physical decline, reduced muscle function, and negatively impacted brain health. This finding suggests that senescent cells in the skin might play a significant role in driving aging across multiple systems in the body.
